Gear Maintenance Checklist: Clean, Test and Restock Your Kit

A kit you never check is a kit you cannot trust. Batteries leak, food expires, fabric degrades and blades rust. Once the winter is behind you, take an hour to go through everything. This checklist walks through it by category.

Set up your workspace

Empty each bag onto a table and group items by type. Keep a notebook or phone note open to record what to replace. Work in good light, and wear gloves when handling anything sharp or dirty.

Water

• Empty, wash and refill stored water containers; date the labels
• Inspect filters for cracks, and backflush and dry them per the manufacturer's instructions
• Check the expiration dates on purification tablets
• Make sure filters stored over winter did not freeze

Food

• Check dates, and eat the items nearing expiration, then replace them
• Look for dented, bulging or damaged packaging, and discard it
• Make sure the can opener and utensils are present

Light and power

• Test every headlamp and flashlight
• Replace batteries, especially any that show corrosion
• Recharge power banks and rechargeable lights
• Test your weather radio

Tools and knives

• Clean blades and dry them completely
• Apply a light coat of oil to carbon-steel blades and moving parts
• Sharpen dull edges
• Check multitool pivots, locks and screws
• Inspect sheaths and stitching

Fire and shelter

• Test lighters and replace any that are low on fuel
• Check that matches are dry and tinder is intact
• Inspect tarps, tents and sleeping bags for tears; air out damp fabric
• Re-stuff compression bags loosely to preserve loft in sleeping bags

Clothing

• Swap seasonal layers and check that sizes still fit
• Replace worn socks, and make sure everything is dry and free of mildew

First aid

• Check expiration dates for medications and ointments
• Replace used or damaged supplies
• Update personal medications, allergies and contact information

Packs and documents

• Check zippers, buckles and straps
• Wash dirty packs according to the maker's instructions and dry them fully
• Update copies of documents and cash in your kit

Keep a log

Write down what you replaced and the date. Set a reminder for the next check in six months, ideally in autumn before winter storms.

Next step

Shop replacement parts and refills.